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West Salem homeless microshelter proposal dies due to wetland issues

The park and ride on Wallace Road next to where a microshelter site was proposed. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

West Salem won’t have a homeless microshelter camp located at 2400 Wallace Road after all.

After completing a study on the grassy portion of the property, the city of Salem found there are substantial wetlands and there isn’t enough space in the paved lot to move forward, according to a Tuesday news release.

The camp was intended to house up to 60 people, prioritizing those 55 and older and women. It would have been run by Church at the Park, a Salem homeless services provider which operates two other managed camps in the city.

The site’s proposal in late September resulted in an angry community meeting, where residents felt there was a lack of communication. Most found out about the project just days before the Salem City Council approved it. 

The city of Salem is actively seeking locations to expand alternative shelter options. Suggestions for sites should be directed to [email protected].

PRIOR COVERAGE

City, Church at the Park seek sponsors for temporary shelter housing

West Salem could soon have managed homeless camp after council approval

Neighbors angry over plan to bring managed homeless camp to west Salem

Council rejects project reconsideration, moves forward with Wallace Road managed homeless camp

-Saphara Harrell